*Is Abaddon to be feared?*
*Is Abaddon to be feared?*
My argument is no.
I'm interested in knowing the origin of the cited scripture. Or is it scripture? It looks like it may be another person's version of the scripture which comes across as... It feels evil and foreboding. I have 2 sources that paint a different picture.
In biblical text the apostle John translated the Hebrew word Abaddon to Greek which is Apollyon. Apollyon means “Destroyer,” and is given as the name of “the angel of the abyss.” Though most reference works apply this name to some evil person or entity, the whole setting of the apocalyptic vision in Revelation is to the contrary. It consistently portrays angels being used by God to bring woe and destruction upon His enemies. Not the devil or his demons. Destruction is not always evil.
The Interpreter’s Bible says: “Abaddon, however, is an angel not of Satan but of God, performing his work of destruction at God’s bidding.”
It wasn't until the 19th century that the 'angel of the abyss' was regarded as satanic.
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, Revelation 20: 1-3 "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. 3 And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not mislead the nations anymore until the 1,000 years were ended. After this he must be released for a little while.
I believe that more context proves Abaddon to be a warrior but also a savior. My conclusion from this research is that entire purpose of Abaddon or Apollyon is for the overall good of mankind. Yes as a destroyer, but again I say that not all destruction is evil.
Originally shared by Jim Lai
Devouring locusts?
Quote: Caption: (above) The locusts and their king, the angel of hell, Abaddon or Apollyon; (below) The four angels loosed from the river Euphrates (Revelation 9:13-15)
http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/detail/ODLodl~14~14~73149~135228:-above--The-locusts-and-their-king
My argument is no.
I'm interested in knowing the origin of the cited scripture. Or is it scripture? It looks like it may be another person's version of the scripture which comes across as... It feels evil and foreboding. I have 2 sources that paint a different picture.
In biblical text the apostle John translated the Hebrew word Abaddon to Greek which is Apollyon. Apollyon means “Destroyer,” and is given as the name of “the angel of the abyss.” Though most reference works apply this name to some evil person or entity, the whole setting of the apocalyptic vision in Revelation is to the contrary. It consistently portrays angels being used by God to bring woe and destruction upon His enemies. Not the devil or his demons. Destruction is not always evil.
The Interpreter’s Bible says: “Abaddon, however, is an angel not of Satan but of God, performing his work of destruction at God’s bidding.”
It wasn't until the 19th century that the 'angel of the abyss' was regarded as satanic.
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, Revelation 20: 1-3 "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. 3 And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not mislead the nations anymore until the 1,000 years were ended. After this he must be released for a little while.
I believe that more context proves Abaddon to be a warrior but also a savior. My conclusion from this research is that entire purpose of Abaddon or Apollyon is for the overall good of mankind. Yes as a destroyer, but again I say that not all destruction is evil.
Originally shared by Jim Lai
Devouring locusts?
Quote: Caption: (above) The locusts and their king, the angel of hell, Abaddon or Apollyon; (below) The four angels loosed from the river Euphrates (Revelation 9:13-15)
http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/detail/ODLodl~14~14~73149~135228:-above--The-locusts-and-their-king
The usage of the word in the old testament refers to a place. In the Greek scriptures Abaddon is referred to as an entity. Because the original post references the greek scriptures I'm going with the belief that Abaddon is an entity. In that way I still feel that contextually depends on a person's view of the book of Revelation. Death, Sheol are negative based purely on an individuals perspective. It could be argued (and often is) that this provision, this prophesy of destruction is aimed at destroying the evil or unrighteous in the world and preserving the good or righteous. If an individual feels they are going to be receiving protection during the series of events and that the destruction is itself an act of protection, it can hardly be seen as negative to them.
ReplyDeleteDeath and destruction can also bring about rebirth. Between simulacrums, being... Transformed into and out of a mortal coil.. I think it should at least be considered that this Abaddon...Yes It might lead to some destruction, but that may not be a bad thing.
Here would be an example of "positive death" - http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/privatelandhabitat/benefits_prescribed_burning.pdf
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